Community Highlights: Meet Gina Holmberg of Welwythn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Holmberg.

Hi Gina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been a freelance makeup artist for almost three decades. About 13 years ago, I began having health issues which led me to completely revamping my life—food, lifestyle choices, major detoxification and so on. This prompted me to start working with a naturopath who opened my eyes to the chemicals and xenoestrogens in personal care products—especially cosmetics. I was appalled and could not believe that an industry I had worked in for so long was contributing to some of my debilitating symptoms. I dove into research, threw everything I had been using in the trash and started over. I began sharing this information with friends and clients and knew I had to create a space that offered alternatives. That is how Welwythn began.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So smooth! The easiest! Is there a sarcasm emoji? After two years of getting our feet wet as Within Apothecary, in a location in the Crossroads (we were so blessed to have been a part of Fine Folk), we were told we had to drop Apothecary from our name. This happened to take place right as we were moving to our new location in PV. It was very stressful—designing, ordering, branding, hiring, training, a new identity—all on top of moving! Seven months after we opened, the pandemic hit, a shut down occurred, and well, more stress!

We’ve been impressed with Welwythn, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Welwythn is a place for everyone. For the longest time, if someone asked who we were, we would say that we are a clean beauty and wellness destination. The phrase clean beauty is tricky— it can mean so many things. We carry brands that are thoughtful in how they make products, from sourcing, packaging, to formulating.

I think what sets us apart is the passion from every employee, the attention each client receives, the fact that you cannot find these products everywhere, and that the shop is just so fun to be in.

We truly have something for everyone—even if makeup or skincare isn’t your thing, we carry a wide assortment of tinctures that can help with stress, a magical magnesium, medicinal honeys if you feel you’re coming down with something, the most beautiful olive oils and teas, candles that make incredible hostess gifts—I could go on and on.

And if you are someone that loves makeup and skincare, we offer consultations as well as makeup applications.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Even though I have been doing makeup for so SO long, I also have an acting and singing background. I started performing in elementary school and fell in love with the theatre. I made a “secret” promise to myself that I would do another play before I turned 50. Time is ticking!

Contact Info:

• Website: Welwythn.com
• Instagram: Welwythn